I ran across this service from the American Society of Journalists and it seemed like a nifty resource.
I know I've been lucky enough to have pretty straightforward contracts, but on occasion I've had questions about rights, and I've certainly heard a lot of horror stories about complicated or oddly worded contracts. The American Society of Journalists will review contracts that are for commercial publishers as long as you're willing to read through the contract and explain your concerns so they can answer them.
Here's the original press release:
Got a question or a contract?
Fax questions or contracts to 415-532-1324, including your email address for
a response. To send an email, go to http://www.asja.org/contact.php and use
our Web form. (Sorry, but the email was getting clogged with spam.) We do have
three requirements to review a contract. First, you must name the publisher, as
it helps us aid others in the future. Second, it must be a commercial
publisher and not a vanity publishing house that makes its money off you. Third, you
must read through the contract yourself and explain your concerns. We'll look
through the whole document anyway, but things go better if you are really
involved in the process.
The American Society of Journalists and Authors encourages reproduction and
distribution of this document for the benefit of freelance writers and
photographers, and other publishing content creators. Reprint or post as many items as
you wish, but please credit ASJA for the information and don't change the
content.
Contracts Committee
ASJA
1501 Broadway, Suite 302
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: 212-997-0947
Fax contracts to: 415-532-1324
Email us through our web page:
www.ContractsWatch.com
ASJA Home Page: http://www.asja.org
Contracts Watch Page: http://www.ContractsWatch.com
